For this Sunday, October 11th, the focus for our meditation will be on Self-Honesty. There is a thought-provoking quote from Lutheran minister and Holocaust martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in which he asked, “Will our inward power of resistance be strong enough, and our Honesty with ourselves remorseless enough, for us to find our way back to simplicity and straightforwardness?” For me this statement invokes an image of tremendous courage – the courage to engage in Honest reflection and self-appraisal. Genuine Self-Honesty can be challenging, but when we allow that examination to occur without judgment it helps us see more clearly where we need to work on ourselves. Today we seem surrounded by too many examples of superficial piety and hypocritical sanctimony. So many are convinced they are right and everyone else is wrong, and unfortunately it creates closed minds that are unwilling to sincerely consider differing opinions. Before we can become receptive to the views of those who disagree with us, we would first benefit by searching our own soul and realizing we are not always right. By engaging in Honest examination that suspends self-criticism we may feel safer acknowledging our flaws. Once we realize we are not perfect beings perhaps this will enable us to also be more charitable in our judgment of others. Imagine being able to hold a straightforward and civil conversation with someone who holds very different opinions from your own. Until we reach that state, we will never be able to hold Honest discussions that consist of a true exchange of ideas rather than devolving into a debate or critique. This week in our prayer and meditation time let us ask for the ability to reflect internally with Self-Honesty. May we be willing to let go of false notions of perfection or righteousness and accept our own failings without remorse so our mind may remain open.
In our efforts this week let us also continue to use the energy of our prayers and meditation to amplify the light that covers and fills this nation. As we perform our meditation this week let us begin by re-energizing the brilliance and power of the light we create. Just as before, begin by forming a concentrated ball of light that is so bright it is almost impossible to look directly at it. Raise this sphere of light up high over the nation and then let its rays cascade down to create a solid, impenetrable dome of light that completely covers every inch of our country. From shore to shore and border to border let the entire continent be filled with this brilliant, dense light that will serve to magnify the best and highest qualities of our country and the people who live across its vast lands.
Please follow the same practice as before: Get centered in your body, ask to bring in your guides and others who are there to assist us and connect to the circle of others participating in this project.
Ask yourself what do I feel in my body when I am able to engage in Self-Honest reflection that encourages objectivity and openness? How does it feel in my body when I have the courage to be truly Honest with myself in examining where I fall short? Then send the energy and intention of those feelings to the nation.
Be sure to disconnect from the circle at the end and express thanks for those who have helped us in this effort.
If you have feedback or experiences you would like to share
please let me know via e-mail to kmiritello@gmail.com
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